Shiva Purana — Kotirudra Samhita, Shloka 15
Śiva–Hari–Rudra–Vidhīnāṃ Tattva-nirṇayaḥ
Identity of Śiva, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and Brahmā; Nirguṇa–Saguṇa Reconciliation
सर्वे रुद्रं भजन्त्येव रुद्रः कञ्चिद्भजेन्न हि । स्वात्मना भक्तवात्सल्याद्भजत्येव कदाचन
sarve rudraṃ bhajantyeva rudraḥ kañcidbhajenna hi | svātmanā bhaktavātsalyādbhajatyeva kadācana
سبھی رُدر ہی کی بھکتی کرتے ہیں؛ مگر رُدر کسی کی بھکتی نہیں کرتا۔ پھر بھی بھکتوں پر شفقت کے باعث وہ کبھی کبھی اپنی مرضی سے خدمت و بھکتی کا روپ خود ظاہر کرتا ہے۔
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Rudra
Role: liberating
FAQs
It teaches that Shiva (Pati) is the supreme refuge: all worship Him, and He is dependent on none; yet His defining attribute is bhakta-vātsalya—grace that moves Him to personally uplift devotees, making liberation attainable through devotion.
In Linga/Saguna worship, the devotee approaches Shiva through a consecrated form; this verse assures that the Supreme accepts such worship and, out of compassion, reciprocates—appearing near, granting boons, and guiding the devotee beyond form toward realization.
Steady Rudra-bhakti: daily Linga-puja with Panchakshara japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya") and sincere surrender; the emphasis is not on Shiva needing worship, but on the devotee becoming fit for His grace.